📷 Stan Shebs, wikipedia.org
Aloe perfoliata aka Mitre Aloe
Aloe | Updated: January 19, 2025
This blue-green succulent spreads out in clusters along the ground as it grows. Its spear-shaped leaves have harmless off-white to yellow teeth along the ridges, and bumps along the underside of the leaves.
Quick Guide
- Full sun to partial shade 🌤️
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Plant grows up to 12″ (30.5 cm) tall
- Plant grows up to 24″ (61 cm) wide
- Zone 10a (Minimum 30° F | -1.1° C)
- Not cold hardy
- Propagation by offsets, seeds
- Can be toxic to humans and animals
- Summer Dormant
How to 🩷 Care for and Propagate Your 🪴 Succulents
General Care for Aloe perfoliata aka Mitre Aloe
Aloe perfoliata, commonly known as Mitre Aloe, gets its name from the mitre-like shape formed by its leaves as they curve upwards towards the center. Unlike other succulents, its clusters spread outward rather than upward as it grows. Interestingly, the plant can take on various appearances based on its environment, turning red when stressed under full sun.
Watering
Mitre Aloe has typical succulent watering needs. The soak and dry method is ideal—ensure the soil dries out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
Aloe perfoliata isn’t cold-hardy, so if your area drops below 30°F (-1.1°C), it’s best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It thrives in full to partial sun, making it versatile for various garden spots.
Additional Information
This plant was previously known as Aloe mitriformis.
How to Propagate Aloe perfoliata aka Mitre Aloe
You can propagate Mitre Aloe using stem cuttings or seeds, with stem cuttings often yielding the best results.
Offsets
Mitre Aloe will produce small offsets around its base. To propagate, simply pull these offsets up, let them dry for one to two days, and then replant them.
Seeds
If you prefer using seeds, sow them in well-draining soil. Outdoor sowing works well if you live in a zone above 9a. For cooler areas, start sowing indoors under a grow light or on a seed mat.
Tags & Attributes
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Species: A. perfoliata